Since writing the above, two of the prisoners mentioned therein have been examined separately. They agree very nearly in their statements, an outline of which is as follows:- "That General Sesma is on the opposite side of the river, about three miles from our encampment, with five or six hundred men-a hundred and fifty cavalry-and two small pieces of artillery. His troops are badly clad, and the state of the weather such as to render them almost ineffectual from cold. They are building a boat, and intend crossing near us." They are evidently checked by the skirmish with our spies (named in a previous letter). The prisoners say that General Sesma halted the next day to rest. With our reinforcements, we shall be able to anticipate any the enemy may receive. 24th-General Gregory, of North Caroline, Colonel Nibbs, and some other gentlemen from Washington, have this moment arrived in camp with Major Poe. They report about two hundred men on their march, who will join to-morrow.
I have the honor, &c., G. W. Hockley, Inspector-General of the Army.
[To Thomas J. Rusk]
__12401) [HOUSTON to RUSK]
Camp near Beason's, March 23, 1836.
To Colonel Thomas J. Rusk.
Dear Colonel: To-day I had the pleasure to receive your two letters by Mr. Walker. I thank your for them, and snatch a moment from the press of business to say a few things in compliance with your request, as well as to gratify my personal feelings. I have had no aid or assistance but my friend Hockley, who now fills your former station. By-the-by, I offer you my congratulations on your advancement. I trust you will find in me a worthy subaltern. You know I am not easily depressed, but, before my God, since we parted, I have found the darkest hours of my past life! My excitement has been so great, that, for forty-eight hours, I have not eaten an ounce, nor have I slept. I was in constant apprehension of a rout; a constant panic existed in the lines: yet I managed so well, or such was my good luck, that not a
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